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The differences between propulsion engineers and aerodynamics engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a propulsion engineer and an aerodynamics engineer. Additionally, an aerodynamics engineer has an average salary of $99,629, which is higher than the $98,475 average annual salary of a propulsion engineer.
The top three skills for a propulsion engineer include propulsion system, CAD and MATLAB. The most important skills for an aerodynamics engineer are aerospace, MATLAB, and computational fluid dynamics.
| Propulsion Engineer | Aerodynamics Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,475 | $99,629 |
| Hourly rate | $47.34 | $47.90 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 45,629 | 20,152 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Propulsion Engineer is responsible for inspecting the condition and stability of rocket engines and control systems within the aerospace industry. They create engine systems by utilizing various software applications and tools for construction. They also identify cost-reduction materials and techniques by negotiating contracts and agreements with trusted suppliers and vendors. A Propulsion Engineer must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to resolve engine issues and conduct preventive maintenance to prevent operational delays and potential hazards.
An aerodynamics engineer is an aerodynamics expert who specializes in designing and developing aircraft components and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Among their responsibilities include conducting extensive research and analysis, developing prototypes and test structures, coordinating with experts, obtaining certifications, and complying with all the aviation laws and regulations. They may also gather and analyze data of existing systems and equipment to identify its strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, an aerodynamics engineer must perform regular maintenance checks and assessments while maintaining an active communication line with staff.
Propulsion engineers and aerodynamics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Propulsion Engineer | Aerodynamics Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,475 | $99,629 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $138,000 | Between $69,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Gulfstream Aerospace |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a propulsion engineer and an aerodynamics engineer in terms of educational background:
| Propulsion Engineer | Aerodynamics Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Aerospace Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Johns Hopkins University |
Here are the differences between propulsion engineers' and aerodynamics engineers' demographics:
| Propulsion Engineer | Aerodynamics Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 13.5% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |